There are several questions you should consider before selecting a mobile device. With the many choices and features that a mobile device can offer, it's important to make sure that it is customized to fit your individual needs. This guide provides key questions you should ask before selecting your mobile device, along with additional resources if you have any further questions.

Select a phone and rate plan according to your needs.

The steps for ordering a phone depend on if you need a business phone, a personal phone, or your usage preferences.

• For a business phone, use the AT&T Cell Phone/Smartphone Request Form or Verizon Cell Phone/Smartphone Request Form.
• For a personal phone, you must order through the AT&T Premier Student or AT&T Premier Employee website to receive your University discount. Discounts with Verizon are explained at Discounts By Verizon Wireless.

Match a device to your needs.

Consider how you plan to use the phone and your specific needs. The following questions can help you determine those needs.

Do you primarily need a phone to make and receive phone calls?

There are many phone models that are best for voice communications; browse the AT&T Phone Models and Verizon Phone Models to see options.

Do you regularly need to send and receive email on your mobile device, access the Internet, or use a smartphone for voice and data?

We offer a variety of internet-enabled mobile devices to meet your needs.

Do you need other capabilities?

Other features are available:

• International dialing: free service that allows outgoing calls to international numbers
• International roaming for voice or data plans: provides you with discounted rates when traveling internationally
• Insurance: add protection for your device (available only on selected models)
• Mobility: allows you to associate your desk phone with your cell phone

Call the ITS Service Desk at 2-5800 (773.702.5800), option 2, then option 2 again, for assistance in choosing the best features for your needs.

Choose a carrier

Before choosing a carrier, you may want to check the quality of wireless coverage in areas where you plan to use your device.

• For AT&T coverage, AT&T's interactive Coverage Viewer will show you signal strength at specific addresses for different plans.
• For Verizon Coverage, view the Verizion Coverage Map

Note: AT&T and Verizon provide special business rates specifically for UChicago. The rates listed on any of AT&T's or Verizon's external sites are not the rates these vendors provide to The University of Chicago.

Place an order

• Business Phone: To receive a phone that is charged to your department, you must order the phone using the AT&T Cell Phone/Smartphone Request Form or Verizon Cell Phone/Smartphone Request Form. An Oracle Cloud/FST or cost center account number is required, and it must include the name of the authorized signer for that account number. AT&T or Verizon will accept your phone order once IT Services receives your order form with complete information and authorization.
• Personal Phone: To receive a discount on your rate plan, you must order through the AT&T Premier Student, AT&T Premier Employee, or Discounts By Verizon Wireless website.